US20120201355A1 - Handheld x-ray system interface with tracking feature - Google Patents
Handheld x-ray system interface with tracking feature Download PDFInfo
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- US20120201355A1 US20120201355A1 US13/449,080 US201213449080A US2012201355A1 US 20120201355 A1 US20120201355 A1 US 20120201355A1 US 201213449080 A US201213449080 A US 201213449080A US 2012201355 A1 US2012201355 A1 US 2012201355A1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/58—Testing, adjusting or calibrating apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/587—Alignment of source unit to detector unit
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4405—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis the apparatus being movable or portable, e.g. handheld or mounted on a trolley
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/46—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B6/467—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/46—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B6/467—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
- A61B6/468—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means allowing annotation or message recording
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/542—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving control of exposure
- A61B6/544—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving control of exposure dependent on patient size
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/547—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving tracking of position of the device or parts of the device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/56—Details of data transmission or power supply, e.g. use of slip rings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/58—Testing, adjusting or calibrating apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/588—Setting distance between source unit and detector unit
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/58—Testing, adjusting or calibrating apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/589—Setting distance between source unit and patient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
- A61B2560/02—Operational features
- A61B2560/0266—Operational features for monitoring or limiting apparatus function
- A61B2560/0271—Operational features for monitoring or limiting apparatus function using a remote monitoring unit
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/46—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B6/467—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
- A61B6/469—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means for selecting a region of interest [ROI]
Abstract
In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a tracking device configured to provide a location and/or to track movement of the handheld X-ray interface device relative to the imaging system, wherein the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device is communicated to the imaging system as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/786,363, entitled “Handheld X-Ray System Interface With Tracking Feature,” filed May 24, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The subject matter disclosed herein relates to X-ray imaging systems and more particularly to X-ray imaging systems that use a handheld interface device.
- X-ray systems are widely employed in medical environments, such as hospitals. Typically, where possible the X-ray technician is positioned away from the location of exposure, and often behind a shielded barrier to avoid or reduce exposure to radiation. Often the X-ray systems include an exposure switch, or handswitch, attached to a cord, which is in signal communication with a control console of the X-ray system and that allows the technician to make the exposure from a distance (e.g., by pressing a button on the handswitch), sometimes outside of the examination room.
- Often patients undergoing X-ray examinations are positioned in difficult or awkward positions for a variety of reasons. The technician must adjust the X-ray system accordingly. However, when the technician is not physically in close proximity to the X-ray system it may be difficult for the technician to interact with the X-ray system. In addition, the technician must return to the console between every exposure to analyze the imaging data and to determine if the patient was properly positioned or if the X-ray source was properly aligned with a detector. The technician may have to expose the patient to needless exposures in trying to obtain the optimal image. Thus, the need for a handswitch arrangement to overcome these difficulties.
- In accordance with one embodiment, an X-ray system includes an imaging system. The imaging system includes a source of X-ray radiation, an X-ray image receptor, control circuitry for controlling the source of X-ray radiation, and a wireless interface. The X-ray system also includes a handheld interface device configured to communicate wirelessly with the imaging system. The imaging system is configured to track a location of the handheld interface device and to use the location as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.
- In accordance with another embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a tracking device configured to provide a location and/or to track movement of the handheld X-ray interface device relative to the imaging system, wherein the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device is communicated to the imaging system as an input for at least one control function of imaging system.
- In accordance with a further embodiment, a method for tracking the location of a handheld interface device includes establishing wireless communication between an imaging system and a handheld interface device, the imaging system includes a source of X-ray radiation, an X-ray detector, control circuitry for controlling the source of X-ray radiation, and a first wireless interface, the handheld interface device includes a second wireless interface for communicating wirelessly with the imaging system and a tracking device configured to provide a location and to track movement of the handheld interface device. The method also includes transmitting the location or tracked movement of the handheld interface device relative to the imaging system.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixed X-ray system, equipped in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile X-ray system, equipped in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical overview of the X-ray systems inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handheld interface device inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another handheld interface device inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical overview of the handheld interface device inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical overview of the handheld interface device inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical overview of system operational data received by handheld interface devices, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical overview of user-input and user-input commands received and transmitted by handheld interface devices, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an imaging system and handheld interface device outside of a desired distance from each other, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the imaging system following the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of movement of an X-ray source of the imaging system by the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the imaging system conducting an imaging sequence in response to the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of determining various exposure parameters using the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of determining orthogonality between the X-ray source and the image receptor, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 16 is perspective view of various patient data displayed on the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of selection of desired area for imaging using the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of another method for operating the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; -
FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method for viewing patient data on the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique; and -
FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method for tracking the location of the handheld interface device, in accordance with aspects of the present technique. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 , an X-ray system is represented, referenced generally byreference numeral 10. In the illustrated embodiment, theX-ray system 10 may be a digital or analog X-ray system. The X-raysystem 10 is designed both to acquire original images or image data and to process the image data for display (in a digital X-ray system) in accordance with the present technique. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theX-ray system 10 includes animaging system 12. Theimaging system 12 includes an overheadtube support arm 14 for positioning aradiation source 16, such as an X-ray tube, and acollimator 18 with respect to apatient 20 and animage receptor 22. Inanalog X-ray systems 10, theimage receptor 22 may include a radiographic film and cassette, phosphorescent screen and computed radiography cassette, or other device. In digital X-ray systems, theimage receptor 22 may include a digital X-ray detector. Theimaging system 12 may also include acamera 24 to help facilitate the positioning of theradiation source 16 andcollimator 18. Moreover, in one embodiment, theimaging system 12 may be used in consort with one or both of a patient table 26 and a wall stand 28 to facilitate image acquisition. Particularly, the table 26 and thewall stand 28 may be configured to receiveimage receptor 22. For instance,image receptor 22 may be placed on an upper, lower or intermediate surface of the table 26, and the patient 20 (more specifically, an anatomy of interest of the patient 20) may be positioned on the table 26 between theimage receptor 22 and theradiation source 16. Also, thewall stand 28 may include areceiving structure 30 also adapted to receive theimage receptor 22, and thepatient 20 may be positioned adjacent thewall stand 28 to enable the image or image data to be acquired via theimage receptor 22. Thereceiving structure 30 may be moved vertically along thewall stand 28. - Also depicted in
FIG. 1 , theimaging system 12 includes aworkstation 32 and display 34. In one embodiment, theworkstation 32 may include or provide the functionality of theimaging system 12 such that auser 36, by interacting with theworkstation 32 may control operation of thesource 16 and detector 22 (in a digital X-ray system 10). In other embodiments, the functions of theimaging system 12 may be decentralized, such that some functions of theimaging system 12 are performed at theworkstation 32, while other functions are performed by another component of theX-ray system 10, such as ahandheld interface device 38. Thehandheld interface device 38 is configured to be held by auser 36 and to communicate wirelessly with theimaging system 12. Thehandheld interface device 38 is also configured to prepare theimaging system 12 for an exposure and to initiate an exposure. Theimaging system 12 is configured to wirelessly communicate system operational data to thehandheld interface device 38 and thehandheld interface device 38 is configured to provide a user detectable indication of the operational status based on the data. In one embodiment, the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., 40) is simply designed to prepare and initiate an exposure, as well as to receive system operational data and to provide an indication of the data. It is noted that theimaging system 12 andhandheld interface device 38 may utilize any suitable wireless communication protocol, such as an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication standard, a Bluetooth communication standard, or any IEEE 802.11 communication standard. - In another embodiment, the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., 42) is configured to receive a user-input command for operation of the imaging system 12 (e.g., changing X-ray source settings or moving the receiving
structure 30 along the wall stand 28) prior to initiation of an X-ray exposure sequence and to wirelessly transmit the command to theimaging system 12. For example, theimaging system 12 may include aspeaker 44 to transmit patient-audible commands to the patient 20 in response to a signal from thehandheld interface device 42. Thespeaker 44 may be located on theoperator workstation 34, near theradiation source 16, in the table 26, or another location. In response to wirelessly receiving the command from thehandheld interface device 42 theimaging system 12 executes the command. Also, thehandheld interface device 42 includes a user-viewable screen 46 and is configured to receive and display patient data on thescreen 46. Theimaging system 12 is configured to communicate patient data or instructions to thehandheld interface device 42. In one embodiment, theworkstation 32 may be configured to function as a server of instructions and/or content on anetwork 48 of the medical facility, such as a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), and/or picture archiving communication system (PACS), and to provide these instructions and/or content to thehandheld interface device 42. Alternatively, thenetwork 48 may wirelessly communicate directly with thehandheld interface device 42. - Further, the
handheld interface device 42 may be configured to be tracked by theimaging system 12. Theimaging system 12 is configured to track the location and/or movement of thehandheld interface device 42 and to use the location and/or movement as input to control at least one function of the system 12 (e.g., movement of the X-ray source 16). - In one embodiment, the
imaging system 12 may be a stationary system disposed in a fixed X-ray imaging room, such as that generally depicted in and described above with respect toFIG. 1 . It will be appreciated, however, that the presently disclosed techniques may also be employed with other imaging systems, including mobile X-ray units and systems, in other embodiments. - For instance, as illustrated in the X-ray system of
FIG. 2 , theimaging system 12 may be moved to a patient recovery room, an emergency room, a surgical room, or any other space to enable imaging of thepatient 20 without requiring transport of the patient 20 to a dedicated (i.e., fixed) X-ray imaging room. Theimaging system 12 includes a mobileX-ray base station 50 andimage receptor 22. As mentioned above, theX-ray system 10 may be digital or analog. In one embodiment, asupport arm 52 may be vertically moved along asupport column 54 to facilitate positioning of theradiation source 16 andcollimator 18 with respect to thepatient 20. Further, one or both of thesupport arm 52 andsupport column 54 may also be configured to allow rotation of theradiation source 16 about an axis. TheX-ray base station 50 may also includecamera 24 to assist in positioning of theradiation source 16 andcollimator 18, as well asspeaker 44 to transmit patient-audible commands as described above. In addition, theX-ray base station 50 includes a speaker located either on abase unit 56, thecolumn 54, or thearm 52, or another location of theX-ray base station 50. Further, theX-ray base station 50 has a wheeledbase 58 for movement of thestation 50. - The patient 20 may be located on a bed 60 (or gurney, table or any other support) between the
X-ray source 24 and theimage receptor 22 and subjected to X-rays that pass through thepatient 20 and are received by either a film, phosphorescent screen, or other medium. During an imaging sequence using thedigital X-ray system 10, thedetector 22 receives X-rays that pass through thepatient 20 and transmits imaging data to abase unit 56. Thedetector 22 is in communication with thebase unit 56. Thebase unit 56 houses systemselectronic circuitry 62 that acquires image data from thedetector 22 and that, where properly equipped, may process the data to form desired images. In addition, the systemselectronic circuitry 62 both provides and controls power to theX-ray source 16 and thewheeled base 58 in either the digital oranalog X-ray system 10. Thebase unit 56 also has theoperator workstation 32 anddisplay 34 that enables theuser 36 to operate theX-ray system 10. Theoperator workstation 32 may include buttons, switches, or the like to facilitate operation of theX-ray source 16 anddetector 22. - Similar to the
X-ray system 10 inFIG. 1 , functions of theimaging system 12 may be performed by thehandheld interface device 38. As described above, theimaging system 12 and thehandheld interface device 38 are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other. In addition, thehandheld interface device 38 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with themedical facility network 48, as described above. As above, theuser 36 may utilize thehandheld interface device 40 designed to prepare and initiate an exposure, as well as to receive system operational data and to provide an indication of the data. Alternatively, theuser 36 may utilize thehandheld interface device 42, described above, to input user commands for operation of the imaging system 12 (e.g., the movement of the X-ray base station 50). In addition, thehandheld interface device 42 includesscreen 46 for the display of patient data, image data (in digital systems 10), instructions, as well as other information. Further, thehandheld interface device 42 may be configured to be tracked, as described above. Tracking of thehandheld interface device 42 may provide input to theX-ray base station 50 to follow thehandheld interface device 42 as described below. TheX-ray base station 50 has a holder orcradle 64 for thehandheld interface device 38 when thedevice 38 is not in use. Thecradle 64 may be configured to recharge the battery of thehandheld interface 38, either through conductive charge contacts or with a contactless method such as inductive or capacitive charging. -
FIG. 3 illustrates diagrammatically theX-ray systems 10 described inFIGS. 1 and 2 , in particular,digital X-ray systems 10, although some of the below description applies toanalog X-ray systems 10 as well. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , theX-ray system 10 includes the source ofX-ray radiation 16 positioned adjacent to thecollimator 18. Alight source 66, also known as a collimator light, is positioned between theX-ray source 16 and thecollimator 18. Thecollimator 18 permits a stream ofradiation 68 or light to be directed to a specific region in which an object or subject, such as thepatient 20, is positioned. Aportion 70 of the radiation passes through or around the subject and impacts the image receptor ordigital X-ray detector 22. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thedetector 22 indigital X-ray systems 10 converts the X-ray photons received on its surface to lower energy photons, and subsequently to electric signals, which are acquired and processed to reconstruct an image of the features within the subject. Thecollimator light 66 in thecollimator 18 directs light onto the same area where the X-ray photons will pass and can be used to position the patient 20 before exposure. Thecollimator light 66 can be turned on and off with a user input on theimaging system 12 or on thehandheld interface device 38. - Moreover in digital X-ray systems, the
detector 22 is coupled to adetector controller 72 which commands acquisition of the signals generated in thedetector 22. Thedetector controller 26 may also execute various signal processing and filtration functions, such as for initial adjustment of dynamic ranges, interleaving of digital image data, and so forth. Thedetector controller 26 is responsive to signals fromcontrol circuitry 74 communicated wirelessly via awireless interface 76. In general, thecontrol circuitry 74 commands operation of theimaging system 12 to execute examination protocols and to process acquired image data (in digital X-ray systems 10). In the present context, thecontrol circuitry 74 also includes signal processing circuitry, typically based upon a programmed general purpose or application-specific digital computer; and associated devices, such as optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, or solid-state memory devices, for storing programs and routines executed by a processor of the computer to carry out various functionalities, as well as for storing configuration parameters and image data; interface circuits; and so forth. - In both digital and
analog X-ray systems 10, theradiation source 16 is controlled by thecontrol circuitry 74 which controls signals for examination sequences. For example, thecontrol circuitry 74 can inhibit the operation of theradiation source 16 if the correct examination conditions are not in place. In addition, thecontrol circuitry 74 controls apower supply 78 which supplies power to theradiation source 16,light source 66,camera 24, as well thecontrol circuitry 74.Interface circuitry 80 facilitates the provision of power to theradiation source 16,light source 66,camera 24, andcontrol circuitry 74. Thepower supply 78 also provides power to a mobile drive unit 82 (in mobile X-ray systems) to drive the movement of thewheeled base 58 of theX-ray base station 50. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thecontrol circuitry 74 is linked to at least one output device, such as the display orprinter 34. The output device may include standard or special purpose computer monitors and associated processing circuitry. One ormore operator workstations 34 may be further linked in the system for outputting system parameters, requesting examinations, viewing images (in digital X-ray systems 10), and so forth. In general, displays, printers, workstations, and similar devices supplied within the system may be local to the imaging components, or may be remote from these components, such as elsewhere within an institution or hospital, or in an entirely different location, linked to theimaging system 12 via one or more configurable networks, such as the Internet, virtual private networks, and so forth. Thecontrol circuitry 74 may also be linked to thespeaker 44 which provides audible signals such as locator signals or patient-audible commands. - Via the
wireless interface 76 theimaging system 12 communicates wirelessly with thehandheld interface device 38. Thecontrol circuitry 74 provides thehandheld interface device 38 system operational data (e.g., inhibit of operation of radiation source), images reconstructed from image data from the detector 22 (in digital X-ray systems 10), images of the patient 20 generated by thecamera 24, and patient data, as well as other information. Thehandheld interface device 38 wirelessly communicates a signal to prepare for and initiate an exposure and other commands for operation of theimaging system 12, as well the location and/or movement of thedevice 38 relative to thesystem 12. Besides receiving patient data and/or instructions from theimaging system 12, thehandheld interface device 38 wirelessly receives patient information and/or instructions (e.g., imaging sequences to be performed) from the medical facility'snetwork 48. Themedical facility network 48 includesPACS 84,RIS 86, and/or HIS 88 to provide the information and/or instructions. Thenetwork 48 may also communicate the patient information and/or instructions toimaging system 12, which may then provide the information and/or instructions to thehandheld interface device 38. - As mentioned above, the
handheld interface device 38 may include a simple embodiment of thedevice 40 to prepare for and initiate an exposure, as well as to receive system operational data and to provide an indication of the data. In addition, thehandheld interface device 40 is configured to provide user detectable indications of the operational status of theimaging system 12.FIG. 4 illustrates thehandheld interface device 40 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thehandheld interface device 40 includes anexterior housing 90 that is suitably dimensioned to fit in the hand of the user. Thehandheld interface device 40 can be configured to be paired with asingle X-ray system 10. Thehandheld interface device 40 is configured to provide user detectable indications of the operational status of theimaging system 12. Thehandheld interface device 40 includes a prepare/exposure push button 92 located at the top 94 of thedevice 40. The prepare/exposure button 92 may operate in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, pressing the button 92 a first time may prepare theX-ray system 10 for an exposure (i.e., the rotor encasing theradiation source 16 begins spinning). Pressing the button 92 a second time may initiate the exposure by theX-ray system 10. Thebutton 92 may be inhibited from being pressed the second time if theX-ray system 10 has not finished preparations for the exposure. Alternatively, thebutton 92 may be partially pressed to a first position to prepare theX-ray system 10 for the exposure and further pressed to a second position to initiate the exposure. Thebutton 92 may be inhibited from being pressed to the second position if theX-ray system 10 has not finished preparations for the exposure. In either embodiment, thebutton 92 is configured to not command the system to initiate an exposure when the operation ofX-ray source 16 is inhibited. Thehandheld interface device 40 also includes acollimator light button 96 disposed on theexterior housing 90. Pressing thecollimator light button 96 may command the system to activate or deactivate thecollimator light 66. Thehandheld interface device 40 is configured to go to sleep when not in use. Pressing the prepare/exposure 92 and/orcollimator light button 96 may also shift thedevice 40 from sleep mode to operational mode. In other embodiments, thehandheld interface device 40 may include additional buttons for other features. - The
handheld interface device 40 may also include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate the operational status of theimaging system 12. For example, thehandheld interface device 40 may include a power status (battery status) LED 98 to indicate the power level of thedevice 40. Thepower status LED 98 may indicate the power status of thedevice 40 in a variety of ways. For example, thepower status LED 98 may only illuminate when thedevice 40 has sufficient power. If thedevice 40 has low power, theLED 98 may blink or not be illuminated. Alternatively, theLED 98 may only illuminate when the power of thehandheld interface device 40 is low. In a further alternative, theLED 98 may illuminate a specific color for a specific power status of thedevice 40, such as green for sufficient power and red for low power. Thehandheld interface device 40 can also include acharge status LED 100 for the battery orpower supply 78 that powers theX-ray source 16 and/ormobile drive unit 82 of theimaging system 12. TheLED 100 may be designed to function similarly to thepower status LED 98 to indicate the status of thepower supply 78. Thehandheld interface device 40 also includes anX-ray exposure LED 102 to indicate when an exposure by theimaging system 12 is occurring. TheLED 102 of thedevice 40 illuminates during the exposure. AnLED 101 could indicate an inhibit on theimaging system 12 that currently prevents exposure initiation. AnLED 103 could indicate that wireless communication is occurring. A combination of the LEDs could indicate that the wirelesshandheld interface device 40 is in the process of or has completed association or pairing withimaging system 12. Alternative embodiments may include additional LEDS to provide an indication of system operation data. Thehandheld interface device 40 also includes aspeaker 104. Thespeaker 104 can provide an audible tone or tone sequence during the occurrence of the exposure. Also, thespeaker 104 may provide an audible tone for a locator signal as described below. -
FIG. 5 illustrates thehandheld interface device 42 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 that includes similar and additional features. Thehandheld interface device 42 may be based upon or include a personal digital assistant, a multipurpose cellular telephone, or other handheld device. Thehandheld interface device 42 includes anexterior housing 90 that is suitably dimensioned to fit in the hand of the user. Thehandheld interface device 42 is configured to be paired with thesingle X-ray system 10 and to provide user detectable indications of the operational status of theimaging system 12. In addition, thehandheld interface device 42 is configured to receive a user-input command for operation of theimaging system 12, as well as patient data and/or instructions. Further, thehandheld interface device 42 is configured to have the location and/or movement of thedevice 42 tracked by theimaging system 12 to be used by thesystem 12 as an input for one or more control functions of thesystem 12. Thehandheld interface device 42 includesscreen 46 and a combination of buttons and LEDs to interact with theimaging system 12. Thescreen 46 is configured display system operational data and X-ray system or exposure settings. For example, thescreen 46 may display the exposure parameters such as a kilovolt peak setting 106, a milliamp setting 108, or other settings such as a milliamp-second setting. Thescreen 46 may include one ormore icons 110 that represent system operational data. For example, theicons 110 may represent the charge status of thepower supply 78 to theX-ray source 16 and/ormobile drive unit 82, power status of thedevice 42, readiness ofX-ray system 10 for exposure, inhibition of theX-ray source 16, an exposure in progress, a wireless link connection, and other operational data. Thescreen 46 is also configured to display patient data, instructions, and images. Thehandheld interface device 42 may also include LEDS to indicate system operational data as described withdevice 40. For example,LED 112 may illuminate when an exposure is in progress. - Additionally, the
handheld interface device 42 may includebuttons buttons imaging system 12 to execute. These commands may be used for multiple functions when pressed, including preparing and initiating an exposure by thesystem 12, operating thecollimator light 66, inputting the location of thedevice 42 with respect to the system 12 (e.g., to calculate a source-to-image distance), and other functions. Thebuttons X-ray source 16 is inhibited. - In addition, the
screen 46 of thehandheld interface device 42 may include a touch-screen to allow the user to interface with thesystem 12 and to input commands for the operation of thesystem 12. Thescreen 46 may allow the user to select from a variety of modes to operate theimaging system 12. For example, thescreen 46 may includeexposure parameters arrows 118 to change the settings of theexposure parameters buttons screen 46 may be used to prepare for and initiate thesystem 12 for an exposure. Further, thehandheld interface device 42 includes a speaker/recorder 120. Thespeaker 120 provides an audible tone during exposures. Also, thespeaker 104 may provide an audible tone for a locator signal as described below. Further, thespeaker 104 may serve as a microphone, or a separate microphone (not shown) may be provided and the device configured to act as a recorder to allow the user to dictate voice inputs. The voice inputs may then be recorded by thedevice 42 and/or in theX-ray system 10, the HIS, RIS or PACS and associated with an X-ray imaging sequence. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a diagrammatical overview of thehandheld interface device 40. Thehandheld interface device 40 includes acontrol circuitry 122 to control the various functions of thedevice 40 and awireless interface 124 to communicate with theimaging system 12. Thewireless interface 124 may utilize any suitable wireless communication protocol, such as an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication standard, a Bluetooth communication standard, or any IEEE 802.11 communication standard. Thecontrol circuitry 122 includes aprocessor 126 to process the various signals received via thewireless interface 124 from thesystem 12. In addition, theprocessor 126 receives input signals from input devices and generates command signals to be transmitted to thesystem 12 via thewireless interface 124. Thecontrol circuitry 122 also includes amemory 128 for storing programs and routines executed by theprocessor 126, as well as configuration parameters of thehandheld interface device 40. Theprocessor 126 andmemory 128 are connected to interfacecircuitry 130 that interacts with the input and output devices of thehandheld interface device 40 to receive input signals from the input devices and to transmit output signals to the output devices and/orwireless interface 124. - The
control circuitry 122 is powered and in communication with apower supply 132. Thepower supply 132 may be a rechargeable battery (e.g., a thin film battery). Thepower supply 132 includes a charginginterface 134 configured for charging of thepower supply 132 when thehandheld interface device 40 is located in a charger (e.g., thecradle 64 of the X-ray base station 50). Thecharge cradle 64 can charge thepower supply 132 of thehandheld interface device 40 either through conductive charge contacts or through inductive or capacitive contactless charging methods. Alternatively, thepower supply 132 may include photovoltaic cells to recharge thehandheld interface device 40. Further, thepower supply 132 may include a device to harvest radiofrequency energy or piezoelectric energy (e.g., microelectricalmechanical system (MEMS) device). - The
interface circuitry 130 receives system operational data from thesystem 12 via thewireless interface 124 and transmits the data to theprocessor 126. Once the data is processed a signal is generated by theprocessor 126 and transmitted via theinterface circuitry 130 to the output devices. For example, thehandheld interface device 40 may receive a command fromimaging system 12 to locate thedevice 40. Thespeaker 104 may generate a locator signal in response to the command. Thespeaker 104 may also generate a user audible tone when an exposure is taking place. Thespeaker 104 may generate an audible tone if thehandheld device 40 is out of thecharge cradle 64 for a minimum time. Also,various LEDS 136 may be illuminated to provide the user an indication of the system operational status as described above. Further, besides a visual and audible indication of an exposure, thehandheld interface device 40 includes a vibratingmotor 138 to vibrate and provide a tactile indication of the occurrence of an exposure in progress. - The
handheld interface device 40 also provides commands to theimaging system 12. For example, as described above, thedevice 40 may include acollimator light button 96 to activate and deactivate thecollimator light 66, and the prepare/expose button 92 to prepare and initiate exposures with thesystem 12. Input signals received from thesebuttons system 12 for execution. Thehandheld interface device 40 may includeother devices 142 besides the input and output devices described for operation of thedevice 40. For example,other devices 142 may include a tracking device, as described below, or a flash light. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatical overview of thehandheld interface device 42. Thehandheld interface device 42 includescontrol circuitry 122,power supply 132, andwireless interface 124 similar to the embodiment inFIG. 6 . However, thememory 128 is also capable of storing images transmitted from the imaging system 12 (in digital X-ray systems 10), patient data/and or instructions received from thesystem 12 ornetwork 48, system operational data (e.g., dose area product to be embedded in image sequences), and user input (e.g., audible recordings to be associated with an imaging sequence). As described above, thehandheld interface device 42 includes one ormore LEDS 136 to provide user detectable indications of the system operational data of theimaging system 12. - The
handheld interface device 42 also includes thescreen 46 to display system operational data, such as in the form oficons 110 as shown inFIG. 5 . The system operational data may also be displayed in other forms on the screen 46 (e.g., textual or numerical form). For example,exposure parameter settings screen 46. Thescreen 46 may also include a touch-screen 46 capable of encoding inputs by touch. For example, a gesture on the touch-screen 46 (e.g., pressing an arrow displayed on the touch-screen 46 inFIG. 5 ) may be user input. In some embodiments, the gesture may be interpreted as a multi-point gesture. Images of the patient 20 received via thecamera 24 ornetwork 48 may also be displayed on thescreen 46. Alternatively, a still image of the patient 20 or a generic image of an anatomical region of the patient 20 may also be displayed on thescreen 46. The user may be able to input a location on the anatomy of the patient 20 to be imaged by touching the portion of the anatomy on the touch-screen 46, as described below. - Also, as described above, the
device 42 may include a speaker/recorder 120. Thespeaker 120 allows for the output of an audible tone or tone sequence during an exposure. In addition, thespeaker 120 may output a locator signal in response to a command from theimaging system 12 to locate thedevice 42. Thespeaker 120 also allows the recording of user-dictated voice inputs that may be recorded and stored in thememory 128 for association with an X-ray image sequence. Also, the user-dictated voice input may be transmitted via thewireless interface 124 to theimaging system 12 to be emitted for the hearing of the patient 20 undergoing X-ray imaging. - As mentioned above, the
handheld interface device 42 may includebuttons buttons collimator light 66. Alternatively, these functions, as well as others, may be carried out using inputs via the touch-screen 46. Thebuttons handheld interface device 142. For example, the device may include atracking device 144. Thetracking device 144 may comprise various inertial measurement units such as an accelerometer, a magnetometer, an inclinometer, and/or a gyroscope. These inertial measurement units allow the relative position and rotation of thedevice 42 to be tracked in a 3-D coordinate system. Theimaging system 12 is configured to track the location and/or movement of thedevice 42 as received from thetracking device 144 via thewireless interface 124. The location and/or movement of thedevice 42 are used as input to control functions of thesystem 12. Thetracking device 144 may be used with another input device (e.g., thebuttons device 42 to allow thesystem 12 to calculate various system operational parameters or to setup the desired imaging sequence. Further, thetracking device 144 may be used by theimaging system 12 to monitor the presence of thehandheld interface device 42 within the operative range ofsystem 12. If thehandheld interface device 42 is moved outside the operative range of thesystem 12, thesystem 12 may send a command to thedevice 42 to generate an audible tone via thespeaker 120. - Similar to
device 40, thehandheld interface device 42 may includeother devices 142 besides the input and output devices described above for operation of thedevice 42. All of these devices may be used separately or in combination to receive input commands for the operation of theimaging system 12 and to transmit these commands to thesystem 12 for execution. - As mentioned above, the
handheld interface device 38 is configured to receive system operational data wirelessly communicated from theimaging system 12 and to provide a user detectable indication of the imaging system operational status based on the data.FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary type of systemoperational data 146 received by thehandheld interface device 38 by theimaging system 12. The types of systemoperational data 146 illustrated are only examples and other types of systemoperational data 146 may be presented. The systemoperational data 146 includes alocator signal 148 when thehandheld interface device 38 cannot be found by the user. Other systemoperational data 146 includesX-ray source settings 150. These may include a kilovolt peak setting, a milliamp setting, and a milliamp-second setting. The systemoperational data 146 includes adose area product 152. Thedose area product 152 reflects the dosage of radiation, as well as the volume of tissue irradiated, with each image sequence. Also, an execution of acurrent exposure 154 is included. Thesystem 12 ceases transmitting this particular systemoperational data 146 when theexposure execution 154 concludes. When operation of theX-ray source 16 is inhibited, thedevice 38 receives an X-ray source inhibit 156, as described above. Further, the systemoperational data 146 includes asystem charge status 158 for thepower supply 78 of theimaging system 12 that powers theX-ray source 16 and the mobile drive unit 82 (in mobile systems). - Besides receiving system
operational data 146, thehandheld interface device 38 may also be configured to receive user-input commands for operation of theimaging system 12.FIG. 9 illustrates various user-input and/or user-input commands 160 received by thehandheld interface device 38 and wirelessly transmitted to theimaging system 12. As previously mentioned, the user-input commands 160 includeX-ray source settings 150. The command forX-ray source settings 150 may include settings for exposure parameters of theX-ray source 16, such as the kilovolt peak setting, the milliamp setting, the milliamp-second setting, a focal spot selection, source-to-image distance, source-to-patient distance, and orthogonality. Also, user-input commands 160 include movement of theX-ray source 16. This movement may include the movement of a remotelymovable X-ray source 16 to a desired position via either the movement of the overheadtube support arm 14 in fixedsystem 12 or the movement of thesupport arm 52 and/orsupport column 54 in amobile system 12. The user-input commands 160 also include amovement command 164 for fine movement of themobile system 12 via thewheeled base 58. As previously mentioned, the user-input commands 160 include a collimatorlight command 166 to illuminate thecollimator light 66 on the region of the patient 20 that will receive X-ray radiation during an imaging sequence. - Also, patient
audible commands 168 may include a signal from thedevice 38 to theimaging system 12 to transmit the patient-audible command 168 in response to the signal. These signals may correspond to multiple pre-recorded patientaudible commands 168 stored within thecontrol circuitry 74 of thesystem 12. Moreover, the patient-audible commands 168 may be pre-recorded in at least two spoken languages. The patient-audible commands 168 may be transmitted via thesystem speaker 44. A user, then, who does not speak a particular language may nevertheless issue instructions to the patient in the patient's language simply by selecting the desired instructional message via the handheld device. Also, as mentioned above, certain embodiments of the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., 42) may be configured to receive, to record, and/or transmit user-dictatedvoice inputs 170. The transmitted user-dictatedvoice inputs 170 may be received by theimaging system 12 and emitted for the patient 20 undergoing X-ray imaging to hear. -
FIGS. 10-17 that follow illustrate various scenarios for the use of thehandheld interface device 38 and/or interaction with theimaging system 12.FIG. 10 illustrates a scenario where thehandheld interface device 38 and theimaging system 12 are outside a desired range. Theimaging system 12 illustrated is mobile, but thesystem 12 may also be fixed. Theimaging system 12 and/or thehandheld interface device 38 are configured to determine the strength of the wireless signals between each other. A preset desired wireless strength that corresponds to a specific distance between thedevice 38 and thesystem 12 may be set. This preset desired wireless strength may vary depending upon the setup of theX-ray system 10. As theuser 36 moves away from thesystem 12 with thedevice 38 the wireless strength decreases. If the wireless strength falls below the preset desired wireless strength, then theimaging system 12 and/or thehandheld interface device 38 are configured to emit a user-perceptible signal (e.g., audible tone viaspeakers system 12 and thedevice 38 are greater than a desired distance apart. - As mentioned above, certain embodiments of the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., 42) may include tracking
devices 144 or the device may be configured to perform tracking based on signal strength, or a similar parameter.FIG. 11 illustrates a scenario where thetracking device 144 allows theimaging system 12 to follow thehandheld interface device 38. Theimaging system 12 illustrated is a mobile system. Theimaging system 12 is configured to track the location and/or movement of the handheld interface device via thetracking device 144 located withindevice 38. Theuser 36 may input a command via one of the input devices available on the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., screen 46) for thesystem 12 to follow thedevice 38. As theuser 36 moves throughout a building, thesystem 12 tracks the location of thehandheld interface device 38 via thetracking device 144 and follows thedevice 38 as it is displaced. This may dispense with the need for the system to be guided, pushed or driven for at least some of its movement through an institution. - Another use for the
tracking device 144 of thehandheld interface device 38 is shown inFIG. 12 .FIG. 12 illustrates theimaging system 12 with the patient 20 located on the table 26 between theX-ray source 16 and theimage receptor 22. Theimaging system 12 may be a fixed or mobile system. TheX-ray source 16 may be moved to a desired position via either the movement of the overheadtube support arm 14 in the fixedsystem 12 or the movement of thesupport arm 52 and/orsupport column 54 in themobile system 12. As above, the user may input a command via one of the input devices available on the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., screen 46) for thesystem 12 to move theX-ray source 16 based upon the location and/or movement of thehandheld interface device 38 to the desired position. As thehandheld interface device 38 is moved within a 3-D coordinate system along an x, y, and z axes, theX-ray source 16 is correspondingly moved along the same axes to the desired position. - The
tracking device 144 can also similarly be used to provide an input to theimaging system 12 to perform a desired X-ray image data acquisition sequence. -
FIG. 13 illustrates the use of thehandheld interface device 38 to perform a desired imaging sequence. The illustratedimaging system 12 is as described inFIG. 12 . Theuser 36 may select an image acquisition sequence mode via one of the input devices available on the handheld interface device 38 (e.g., screen 46). Once in the acquisition mode, theimaging system 12 is configured to record one or more locations of thehandheld interface device 38 via thetracking device 144 and to use the recorded locations as input for an X-ray imaging sequence. The recorded locations may be used as inputs for determining a tomographic sweep by theX-ray source 16. For example, using the input devices on thehandheld interface device 38, a first location, A, may be selected and then recorded by thesystem 12. Then, similarly thedevice 38 may be used to select a second location, B, to be recorded by thesystem 12. Upon initiation of the X-ray imaging sequence, theradiation source 16 moves between locations A and B performing the desired imaging sequence (e.g., tomographic sweep) generatingmultiple images 172 between those locations. -
FIG. 14 illustrates the use of thehandheld interface device 38 to compute various exposure parameters. Theimaging system 12 illustrated is as described inFIG. 12 . Thehandheld interface device 38 and thetracking device 144 may be used to input the location of thedevice 38 as described above. Theimaging system 12 is configured to use the location of thedevice 38 for the computation of various exposure parameters, such as source-to-image distance (SID) 174, source-topatient distance 176, andpatient thickness 178. TheSID 176 is determined by placing thehandheld interface device 38 at theimage receptor 22 and inputting the location of the device 38 (location A). Thesystem 12 uses location A with respect to theX-ray source 16 in the computation ofSID 176. The source-to-patient distance 176 is similarly determined by placing thehandheld interface device 38 on the patient 20 where the exposure is to take place and inputting the location of the device 38 (location B). Theimaging system 12 then takes the difference between the source-topatient distance 176 and theSID 174 for the computation of thepatient thickness 178. Thepatient thickness 178 may be used by theimaging system 12 to set an X-ray dose parameter for the exposure. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a further use of thehandheld interface device 38. Theimaging system 12 is illustrated with the patient 20 located on an inclined surface 180 (e.g., bed 60) between theX-ray source 16 and theimage receptor 22. Theimage receptor 22 may have agrid 182 located on theimage receptor 22 to reduce the scattering of the X-rays. Theimaging system 12 may be a fixed or mobile system. TheX-ray source 16 may be moved to a desired position via either the movement of the overheadtube support arm 14 in the fixedsystem 12 or the movement of thesupport arm 52 and/orsupport column 54 in amobile system 12. As above, the user places thehandheld interface device 38 on theimage receptor 22 and/orgrid 182 and inputs a command via one of the input devices to transmit the location of thedevice 38 as derived from thetracking device 144 and thus the relative location of theimage receptor 22 and/orgrid 182 to thesystem 12. The inputted location of thehandheld interface device 38 is used to compute the orthogonality between theimage receptor 22 and/orgrid 182 with respect to theX-ray source 16. The calculated orthonogonality is displayed on thescreen 46 of thehandheld interface device 38. Based on the calculated orthogonality theimaging system 12 also may move theX-ray source 16 along a desired x, y, and z axes. For example, the X-ray source may be initially positioned in a first position, A. After determining the orthogonality between theX-ray source 16 andimage receptor 22 and/orgrid 182, thesystem 12 may move theX-ray source 16 to a second position, B, with the desired orthogonality. - The
handheld interface device 38 has additional features. In embodiments of thehandheld interface device 38 with a screen 46 (e.g., 42), thescreen 46 is configured to displaypatient data 184 as illustrated inFIG. 16 . Types ofpatient data 184 include an identifyingimage 186 of thepatient 20. The identifyingimage 186 may be provided via thenetwork 48 or theimaging system 12. Thesystem 12 may also provide animage 188 of the patient 20 or a portion of the anatomy of the patient 20 to receive X-ray radiation via thesystem camera 24. Theimage 188 may be a still or live image. Also, theimage 188 may be a generic image representative of an anatomical region of thepatient 20. Additionalpatient data 184 displayed by the screen includespatient identifying data 190 such as the name of the patient, the anatomy to be imaged, the types of images, and further instructions or information. Thescreen 46 also displays reconstructedX-ray images 192 of the patient 20 received from the system 12 (in digital X-ray systems 10). -
FIG. 17 illustrates the use of thescreen 46 to control the movement of theX-ray source 16. The illustratedimaging system 12 is as described above. The user receives theimage 188 of the patient 20 on thescreen 46 of thehandheld interface device 46. Thescreen 46 illustrated is touch-screen 46 capable of encoding inputs by the touch of the user. The user uses a finger orother object 194 to input aselection 196 of a specific part of the patient anatomy for exposure. Thedevice 38 transmits a signal to theimaging system 12 specifying the desired anatomy for exposure to X-ray radiation. Theimaging system 12 is configured to move theX-ray source 16 into position to take the desired exposure. Then, the system 12 (in a digital X-ray system 10) is configured to process X-ray image data and to generate thereconstructed image 192 of the desired anatomy. Thescreen 46 of thehandheld interface device 38 displays thereconstructed image 192 of the desired anatomy. -
FIGS. 18-21 illustrate various methods for operation of thehandheld interface device 38.FIG. 18 illustrates a flow diagram of amethod 198 for operating thehandheld interface device 38. Themethod 198 includes establishing wireless communication between theimaging system 12 and the handheld interface device 38 (block 200). Thesystem 12 includes the components described above inFIG. 3 . Theimaging system 12 and thehandheld interface device 38 communicate via theirrespective wireless interfaces system 12 communicates systemoperational data 146 to the handheld interface device 38 (block 202). Thehandheld interface device 38 then provides a user detectable indication of the operational status of theimaging system 12 based upon the received data 146 (block 204). The user detectable indication includes vibration of thedevice 38, illumination from LEDS, among other indications. -
FIG. 19 illustrates another flow diagram of amethod 206 for operating thehandheld interface device 38. Themethod 206 includes establishing wireless communication between thesystem 12 and device 38 (block 208) as described inmethod 198. After establishing a wireless link, the user inputs a command into thehandheld interface device 38 for operation of the imaging system 12 (block 210). The user-input command 160 may include the movement of theX-ray source 16 or the fine movement of thesystem 12, if mobile, as an example. Following input of the command, thehandheld interface device 38 wirelessly transmits the command to the system (block 212), whereupon theimaging system 12 is configured to receive and execute the command for operation of thesystem 12. -
FIG. 20 illustrates a flow diagram of amethod 214 for viewing patient data on ahandheld interface device 38. Themethod 214 includes establishing wireless communication between thesystem 12 and device 38 (block 216) as described inmethod 198. Thehandheld interface device 38 includes user-viewable screen 46 configured to displaypatient data 184 and to receive a user input (e.g., touch-screen 46). After establishing a wireless link, the handheld interface device receivespatient data 184 either from theimaging system 12 or the HIS 88 orRIS 86 of the medical facility's network 48 (block 218). Theimaging 12 may also transmit theimage 188 of the patient 20 or anatomical region of the patient 20 to the device 38 (block 220) via thesystem camera 24. Alternatively, the image 188 (e.g., generic image representative of anatomical region of patient 20) may be provided by thenetwork 48. After receiving thepatient data 184, thedata 184 is displayed on the screen 46 (block 222). If the patient data consists of theimage 188 of thepatient 20, the user may select a desired portion of the anatomy for exposure (block 224). Theselection 196 may be transmitted as a signal to the system 12 (block 226) for that region to be imaged. In response to the signal, theX-ray source 16 may need to be moved to make the desired exposure. The system 12 (in a digital X-ray system 10) may then acquire and process X-ray image data of the selected anatomy (block 228). Then, thesystem 12 may generate a reconstructed X-ray image 192 (block 230). Thisreconstructed X-ray image 192 may be transmitted to and displayed on thescreen 46 of the handheld interface device 38 (block 232). -
FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram of amethod 234 for tracking the location of thehandheld interface device 38. Themethod 234 includes establishing wireless communication between thesystem 12 and device 38 (block 236) as described inmethod 198. Thehandheld interface device 38 includestracking device 144 which is configured to provide a location and to track movement of the handheld interface device. After establishing a wireless link, the tracked location and/or movement of thehandheld interface device 38 is transmitted to the imaging system 12 (block 238). Theimaging system 12 then uses the tracked location and/or position as input to control at least one function of the system 12 (block 240). For example, the input may be used to direct thesystem 12, if mobile, to follow thehandheld interface device 38. - The
handheld interface device 38 described above provides the user increased information about theimaging system 12 while allowing the user to work at a distance from thesystem 12 and providing a safer environment. The wireless design alleviates the problems typically associated with a cord, such as interference with medical equipment or damage to the cord over time. Additionally, the user may find thedevice 38 if ever lost via a locator signal. Further, thedevice 38 provides the user three different types of feedback mechanisms to indicate a current exposure including visual, audible, and tactile (vibrations). - The more advanced features of the
handheld interface device 38 provide the user more flexibility in controlling thesystem 12, particularly in light of advanced user control features provided by the touch-screen 46 and thetracking device 144. For example, the advanced features would assist in allowing the user to better position thesystem 12 andimage receptor 22, particularly when thepatient 20 is in a complicated position, for acquiring an improved image. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (20)
1. An X-ray system comprising:
an imaging system including a source of X-ray radiation, an X-ray image receptor, control circuitry for controlling the source of X-ray radiation, and a wireless interface; and
a handheld interface device configured to communicate wirelessly with the imaging system, wherein the handheld interface device comprises a tracking device located within the handheld interface device;
wherein the imaging system is configured to track a location of the handheld interface device via the tracking device and to use the location as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging system is mobile, and is configured to follow the handheld interface device as it is displaced in a building.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging system is configured to command movement of the X-ray source based upon the location of the handheld interface device.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging system is configured to record at least one location of the handheld interface device and to use the recorded location as an input for an X-ray image acquisition sequence.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the imaging system is configured to record a plurality of locations of the handheld interface device and to use the recorded locations as inputs for determining a tomographic sweep by the X-ray source.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging system is configured to use the location of the handheld interface device for computation of a source-to-image distance.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the imaging system is configured to use a further location of the handheld interface device for computation of a source-to-patient distance.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the imaging system is configured to use the source-to-image distance and the source-to-patient distance for computation of a patient thickness.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the imaging system is configured to use the computed patient thickness to set an X-ray dose parameter.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging system is configured to use a location of the handheld interface device for computation of orthogonality between the image receptor and the X-ray source.
11. An X-ray system comprising:
a handheld X-ray interface device comprising a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a tracking device located within the handheld interface device that is configured to provide a location and/or to track movement of the handheld X-ray interface device relative to the imaging system, wherein the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device is communicated to the imaging system as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the tracking device comprises an accelerometer, a magnetometer, an inclinometer, or a gyroscope.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the handheld X-ray interface device is configured to command movement of the imaging system via the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the handheld X-ray interface device is configured to command the imaging system to perform a specific X-ray image acquisition sequence via the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the handheld X-ray interface device is configured to provide the location of the handheld X-ray interface device to the imaging system for computation of a source-to-image distance.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the handheld X-ray interface device is configured to provide a further location of the handheld X-ray interface device to the imaging system for computation of a source-to-patient distance.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein the handheld X-ray interface device comprises an input device configured to indicate to the imaging system to record the location of the handheld X-ray interface device.
18. A method for tracking the location of a handheld interface device, comprising:
establishing wireless communication between an imaging system and a handheld interface device, the imaging system comprising a source of X-ray radiation, an X-ray image receptor, control circuitry for controlling the source of X-ray radiation, and a first wireless interface, the handheld interface device comprising a second wireless interface for communicating wirelessly with the imaging system and a tracking device located within the handheld interface device that is configured to provide a location and to track movement of the handheld interface device; and
transmitting the location or tracked movement of the handheld interface device relative to the imaging system.
19. The method of claim 18 , using the location or tracked movement of the handheld interface device as an input to control at least one function of the imaging system.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the imaging system is mobile, and is configured to follow the handheld interface device as it is displaced in a building.
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Also Published As
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EP2389865A1 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
CN102258376B (en) | 2015-04-22 |
US20110291800A1 (en) | 2011-12-01 |
CN102258376A (en) | 2011-11-30 |
EP2389865B1 (en) | 2015-07-08 |
US9655587B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 |
JP2011245290A (en) | 2011-12-08 |
US8174358B2 (en) | 2012-05-08 |
JP5837762B2 (en) | 2015-12-24 |
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